Sensational Cakes and Desserts Celebrated at UK House of Lords: Top 100 Small Business Honour

3 Dec

Yesterday was a day to remember for Sensational Cakes and Desserts! I had the incredible honour of being invited to the UK House of Lords at The Palace of Westminster. This prestigious invite was extended to celebrate my home bakery business being listed among the UK's Top 100 Small Businesses. It was an unforgettable experience filled with enriching connections and inspiring conversations.

An Honourable Companion

I was accompanied by Sir Julian Lewis, MP for New Forest East, where my business is proudly located. Sir Julian was gracious enough to show me around the historic building, providing an insightful tour that included a special viewing of the debate in the House of Commons on Housing, Community, and Local Government. It was an extraordinary opportunity to witness the workings of our government up close.

Picture of Sope Oludimu, Owner and Head Baker at Sensational Cakes and Desserts, with Sir Julian Lewis, MP of Totton South East at the House of Lords, UK Westminster Palace.

Inspiring Conversations and New Connections

The event also provided a fantastic platform to network with fellow small business owners, members of Parliament, and government trade and business representatives. I had the pleasure of meeting Anne Tyrer, Vice President of UK Corporate Affairs and Communications at American Express, and Will Anstey from the Department for Business and Trade. Anne shared valuable insights into how American Express has been supporting small businesses in the UK for over 12 years!

I also connected with Karen Russell and Miranda McCarthy from Adaptive Yoga LIVE. Their dedication to promoting wellness and inclusivity through yoga was truly inspiring.

Left: Anne Tyrer, Vice President of UK Corporate Affairs and Communications at American Express; Middle: Sope Oludimu: Owner & Head Baker at Sensational Cakes and Desserts; and Right: Will Anstey from the Department for Business and Trade.

Celebrating Small Businesses

Small businesses like Sensational Cakes and Desserts are the backbone of our community, particularly in the Southampton City Council and New Forest District Council regions. As a young female small business owner from a minority ethnic background, I am reassured and encouraged by the tremendous support available in the United Kingdom.

Sope Oludimu of Sensational Cakes and Desserts at a press interview at the UK House of Lords. — Sope Oludimu Press Interview with Small Business Saturday.

Heartfelt Gratitude

A heartfelt thank you to Michelle Ovens CBE from Small Business Saturday UK, Jacqui Scott MCIOF from SWEF, and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF). Your support has been invaluable. A special thanks also to my colleagues at the Southampton City Council for continuously supporting me and other small businesses in South Coast and across the UK.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Here's to many more milestones and successes for Sensational Cakes and Desserts and all small businesses across the country!